[Learn][Korean] "떡상 vs. 떡락" – The Korean Slang for Big Gains and Big Losses

떡상 big gain 떡락 big loss

If you're interested in Korean internet slang, stock markets, cryptocurrencies, or just casual conversations, you've probably heard the terms "떡상" (tteoksang) and "떡락" (tteokrak). These expressions are commonly used by Koreans to describe sudden rises and falls in value, popularity, or success.

Let’s dive into what "떡상" and "떡락" mean, how to use them in daily conversations, and when to apply them like a native speaker!

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1. What Do "떡상" and "떡락" Mean?

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These words come from a combination of:

• "떡" (tteok) – Originally means "rice cake," but in slang, it emphasizes something happening dramatically
• "상승" (sangseung) – Meaning "rise" or "increase"
• "하락" (harak) → "락" (rak) – Meaning "fall" or "decline"

Meaning of Each Word:

• "떡상" (tteoksang) → A massive increase in price, popularity, or success
• "떡락" (tteokrak) → A dramatic fall in price, popularity, or success

These terms were first used in stock market and cryptocurrency discussions but later became popular in K-pop, sports, entertainment, and everyday life.

Common English Translations:

• 떡상! → "Skyrocketed!" / "Huge gain!" / "It blew up!"
• 떡락… → "Crashed…" / "Major drop…" / "It tanked…"

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2. When Do Koreans Use "떡상" and "떡락"?

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You can use 떡상 and 떡락 in various situations, from finance to pop culture and even personal achievements.

Examples of "떡상" (Massive Gain!)

• Bitcoin prices suddenly rise → "비트코인 떡상 중!" (Bitcoin is skyrocketing!)
• A K-pop idol gains huge popularity → "이번 신곡으로 완전 떡상했다!" (They skyrocketed with this new song!)
• A stock price surges → "주식 떡상해서 대박 났어!" (The stock skyrocketed, so I made a huge profit!)
• A YouTuber gets millions of views overnight → "이 영상 떡상했다!" (This video blew up!)
• A rookie actor becomes a superstar → "그 배우 이번 드라마로 떡상했어!" (That actor skyrocketed thanks to this drama!)

Examples of "떡락" (Major Crash…)

• Stock prices suddenly crash → "오늘 주식 떡락해서 멘붕." (The stock crashed today, I’m in shock.)
• A celebrity gets into a scandal and loses popularity → "스캔들 때문에 떡락했네." (They lost popularity because of a scandal.)
• A new product fails after high expectations → "기대했는데 완전 떡락했어." (I had high expectations, but it totally flopped.)
• A movie flops at the box office → "이 영화 흥행할 줄 알았는데 떡락했네." (I thought this movie would be a hit, but it bombed.)

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3. How to Use "떡상" and "떡락" in Sentences

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Here are some natural ways to use these expressions in conversations:

Using "떡상"

• "내 주식 떡상했다!" (My stocks skyrocketed!)
• "이 드라마 덕분에 그 배우 떡상했어." (That actor skyrocketed because of this drama.)
• "이 게임 떡상 중이야!" (This game is blowing up!)
• "우리 팀이 드디어 떡상하네!" (Our team is finally rising up!)

Using "떡락"

• "이번 컴백은 떡락인가?" (Is this comeback a flop?)
• "시험 성적 떡락했다…" (My test scores crashed…)
• "그 브랜드 요즘 떡락 중이야." (That brand is losing popularity these days.)
• "내 코인 떡락해서 멘붕." (My cryptocurrency crashed, and I’m mentally breaking down.)

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4. Similar Korean Slang Expressions

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If you like 떡상 and 떡락, here are some other Korean slang words related to success and failure:

• "존버" (Jonbeo) – "Hold on for dear life" (Used in stocks/crypto when holding despite losses)
  • "떡락해도 존버해야지." (Even if it crashes, I have to hold on.)
• "존맛탱" (Jonmattaeng) – "Super delicious!" (Used for food)
  • "이 라면 존맛탱!" (This ramen is insanely good!)
• "망했어" (Manghaesseo) – "I’m doomed" / "It failed"
  • "시험 망했어…" (I failed my exam…)

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5. Can Foreigners Use "떡상" and "떡락"?

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Yes! Koreans love it when foreigners use internet slang naturally. If you use "떡상" and "떡락", you’ll sound more like a native Korean speaker, especially in casual conversations or online discussions.

Try Using These Phrases:

• If your favorite K-pop group gets super famous → "우리 오빠들 떡상 중!" (My idols are skyrocketing!)
• If your stocks or crypto go up → "오늘 코인 떡상!" (My coins skyrocketed today!)
• If you watch a drama that flopped → "스토리 별로야… 떡락했네." (The storyline isn’t great… It totally flopped.)

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Final Thoughts

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"떡상" and "떡락" are simple yet powerful Korean slang words used to describe huge gains and losses in many different contexts. Whether you're talking about stocks, K-pop, sports, or personal achievements, these expressions will help you sound more fluent and natural in Korean conversations.

Now that you know how to use "떡상" and "떡락," try them in your next chat! Which one do you think you’ll use more? Let me know in the comments!